Signs Of Wisdom Tooth Impaction
Wisdom teeth, which typically come in a set of four with two at the top of the mouth and two at the bottom, are the last ones to erupt in a person’s mouth. However, when wisdom teeth are impacted,
they can cause pain as well as damage to the other teeth in the mouth, and can even lead to dental problems. Impacted wisdom teeth are otherwise known as the third molars found in the back part of
the mouth. When they are impacted, they do not have the sufficient room for them to develop correctly or even to emerge as they should. Many dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth when they
become impacted, even if they do not show any symptoms, because it can help to prevent future problems. Start reading now to learn about the signs of wisdom teeth impaction.
Red And Swollen Gums
Red and swollen gums can be a result of gum infections, which can come with an impacted wisdom tooth. They occur because the tooth may begin to break through
the gum line. This ultimately allows the bacteria to seep through the opening the tooth creates and sets the stage for a full-fledged gum infection. When the tissue sitting atop the affected
tooth becomes infected, it’s called pericoronitis. Pericoronitis can occur in areas located close to the neck and can eventually spread to cause life-threatening infections. Given how serious
these infections can be, it is best to remove impacted wisdom teeth as soon as possible to prevent infection from starting or spreading.
Jaw Pain And Swelling
Individuals who have impacted wisdom teeth will sometimes complain of jaw pain and swelling, which can manifest in trouble opening and closing the jaw as well
as severe pain running from the source of the pain all the way down the jawline. Because of the span of the source of the pain, over time the face can begin to swell, and the pain may increase.
Occasionally, patients will not feel any pain the jaw and only have the discomfort of not being able to open their mouth properly. In these cases, it can be an issue of the nervous system
communicating correctly, and patients will need to seek a medical professional to do an X-ray to determine if surgery is necessary.
Bad Breath
Bad breath is the result of tooth decay in the mouth that occurs when a wisdom tooth becomes impacted. What happens is the wisdom tooth crowds the other teeth
around it, and in this tight and confined space, it becomes difficult for the patient to brush away food particles effectively. These trapped food particles lead to extensive tooth decay as the
patient fails to floss or brush them. Because of the tooth decay and the trapped food, the patient can experience bad breath that will not go away. While bad-smelling breath in and of itself is
not a sign for extreme concern, it can be a sign there is something much worse going on, and it is best to consult with a doctor to know for sure.
Trouble Opening Your Mouth
When you have trouble opening your mouth, it can point to the wisdom tooth having impacted the nerves in some way, preventing you from being able to open your
mouth all the way. This is often coupled with jaw pain and facial swelling. For some patients, the pain may be secondary if nonexistent when compared to the discomfort of not being able to
utilize their jaw properly. If the mobility and flexibility of your jaw are becoming a problem, even if pain is not coupled with it, seek out medical attention as it could be an impacted wisdom
tooth.
Unpleasant Taste In Your Mouth
Unfortunately, it is all too common for an unpleasant taste in your mouth to occur because of an impacted wisdom tooth. This is because when the tooth becomes
impacted a cyst can form. This happens when the sac the wisdom tooth is developed in fills with fluid, and after it erupts, it can cause pus drainage to leak into the mouth. When the patient
bites or swallows, the cyst leaks, leaving a persistent unpleasant flavor in the mouth. If you notice you have disconcerting taste in your mouth that will not leave you, it may be a sign it is
time to contact your dental professional about getting an X-ray done and having your wisdom teeth removed.
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